Air Services The best way to reach Bequia from Europe is from London or Milan to Barbados and from Paris to Martinique. Daily connections (1 hr. flight) on Mustique Airways from Barbados to Bequia and flights on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from Fort-de-France, Martinique to Bequia (45 minutes). Alternatively, you may fly to St. Vincent from Barbados or Martinique and take a ferryboat (1 hr. crossing) or the air shuttle (5 minute flight) to Bequia. Local airport departure tax: 8 US$ or 30 EC$. Documents, Visas, Vaccinations Only valid passports and return tickets are required. No visa is required for European community citizens and North and South American citizens. No vaccinations are required. Climate On the coast, average daytime temperature ranges from 24 degree C / 75 degree F to 30 C / 87 F. The nights are cooler. Comparatively lower temperatures prevail between November and February. The dry season lasts from January to April and the rainy season spans July through October consisting of frequent but shot showers. The difference in time from Paris is 6 hours (solar summer time). Clothing Light, informal clothes are recommended. However, visitors are requested not to wear bathing suits or mini shorts in the streets or stores. Bring long pants and hiking shoes for inland excursions. Banks, Currency Exchange Bequia uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) at a rate exchange of 1 US$ = 2.67 EC$. Banks provide exchange services for all main foreign currencies, cash or travellers cheques. Bank Hours: Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Fridays 8 a.m. to 1p.m. & 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.. At St. Vincent airport, Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 1p.m. & 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.. Shopping Best buys are the screen painted items locally hand made, wood carvings (especially small model boats), leather craft, hand-painted t-shirts, and hand made jewelry. To enjoy to the full the Caribbean way of life, one should visit the local markets and discover the endless variety of spices, fish and tropical fruit. Shopping times: Monday to Friday: 8/9 a.m. to 12/1 p.m. and 2/3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Roads, Transport, and Guides Bequia can boast of well-kept paved roads. Many sites are accessible by bus or taxi. Taxi drivers are reputedly helpful and courteous and may be hired as competent guides. Driving is on the left. International driving licenses are accepted; a local driver's license may be obtained at the Airport or the Police Station on production of a valid driver's license and a 20 EC$ fee. Post and Telecommunications St. Vincent & the Grenadines have an excellent telephone service, operating national and international connections. Telephone code + 809/45 or 784/45 (854/45 from Italy). The post Office in Port Elizabeth is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday mornings, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Medical Facilities These are efficient and well qualified. There is a General Hospital in Kingstown, equipped with modern facilities and a smaller hospital in Bequia, together with a well supplied Chemist's shop. Electricity 220 Volts